AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” There was so much bad happening around the country now that the war was over. She didn’t want any of it spilling onto him for reclaiming his heritage.
He eased her back into his arms and she snuggled close. “You’ve led quite a life so far, Rhine Fontaine.”
“I’m hoping you’ll be with me for the rest of it, Eddy Carmichael, but in the meantime, I need more kisses.”
She laughed and rose. “I thought you’d never ask.”
It was very late when he drove her home. When he pulled up behind the boardinghouse, sadness claimed her. She didn’t want to leave him. “I had a wonderful time.”
“I did, too.”
She reached up and cupped his cheek before leaning in and kissing him good-bye. “I’ll see you later at the anniversary party.”
“Do you think we can sneak off and open a few buttons?”
Chucking, she said, “Don’t even think about it.”
“I have, which is why I said that.”
“Go home.”
In the silence that followed, they each mined all they’d shared. His voice turned serious. “Thank you for a grand evening.”
And it had been grand indeed. “Good night, Rhine.”
When she reached the porch, she waved. Once she was inside he drove away, and the changed-forever Eddy Carmichael tiptoed through the darkness to her room. She fell back onto the bed and smiled. Marriage. To Rhine. She then turned serious. His revelation continued to resonate. Having never been enslaved, she could only imagine the pain-filled memories he carried inside. The next few weeks were going to be trying for him. Turning his world upside down and having to face those who’d undoubtedly denounce him and maybe even threaten his life would take an incredible amount of strength. That he was willing to do so in order for her to be his wife—she had no words to describe how special and loved it made her feel or how much she loved him in return. As long he didn’t expect her to give up her dreams—and she knew he wouldn’t—she saw no reason to say anything but yes.
Rhine was having an equal amount of trouble putting his feelings into words as he drove back to the saloon. Spending the evening with her had been more than he could’ve imagined. No matter what he had to face, he knew he’d made the right choice to reveal his true self. He loved Eddy Carmichael. He worried that she might be angry about being deceived, but she hadn’t been and that made him love her even more. He’d give her some time to think over his proposal but in his heart he already knew she’d say yes, and there were no words to describe how that made him feel either.
It being a Friday night, the saloon was still open. When he entered via the back door, Jim was in the kitchen.
“Well?” Jim asked.
“I told her and asked her to marry me.”
His partner smiled. “Good for you. How’s it feel?”
“She hasn’t agreed yet but she took the story well. She’s worried about retaliation.”
“I am, too. Some of these folks aren’t going to like knowing you were hiding right under their noses.”
Rhine agreed. “I’ll break the news to them at the ball and they can all howl at me at once. I’ll wire Drew later today so he’ll be abreast of the situation and start buttoning things down.” Then he and Eddy would no longer have to worry about being seen together. He could start taking her driving out into the desert. They could dine publicly. Although dining in secret did have its advantages. “Are we all set for food and beverages for Edgar and Aretha’s anniversary party?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then I’m going up and change clothes. Be back down shortly. Thanks for being a good friend.”
“You’re welcome.”
Upstairs in his bedroom, Rhine changed clothes. The saloon would be open another few hours, and he had to go back downstairs and play host. His thoughts drifted to Eddy. Who knew she’d be so uninhibited? He cast his mind back to the memory of her rising and falling to his touch and he was aroused all over again. They’d have to have a repeat performance soon. In the meantime, he’d wait for her to say yes. He also planned to share the truth about himself with Sylvie and Doc Randolph as soon as possible. Over the years both had been stalwart friends, and deserved to know before anyone else.
Ready to head back downstairs, he quietly thanked the Old Queens for putting Eddy in his life and hoped that Sable wouldn’t be far behind.
